For many Harley-Davidson motorcycle owners, the experience of owning the popular two-wheel vehicles isn’t simply about transportation, as much as it’s about the lifestyle. But lifestyle or not, safety should be the number one priority for any motorcycle owner. In fact, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motorcycle deaths doubled between 1999 and 2008 as motor vehicle accident-related deaths dropped. This means that now more than ever, motorcycle safety is a pertinent issue for all motorcycle riders as well as motorcycle manufacturers and dealerships.

Case in point, the Harley-Davidson Motor Company and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have announced the recall of approximately 2,798 2012 and 2013 VRSCDX model motorcycles because of an issue with the license plate frames that could lead to serious accidents. Obviously, when a motorcycle owner thinks of hazardous situations, a license plate frame might be the last thing on his mind, but because of a failure in the manufacturing process, the screws on these particular models may come loose from the plate frames, causing the entire plate to separate. If this occurs, the plate could come into contact with the rear tire while the motorcycle is being operated, and the plate could interfere with or damage the rear brake line.

Beginning on Nov. 5, Harley-Davidson will contact owners of these 2012 and 2013 VRSCDX model motorcycles, and authorized dealerships will inspect and repair the motorcycles free of charge. In the meantime, Harley owners may contact the company at (414) 343-4056 or the NHTSA at (888) 327-4236.

About

Rich Newsome is a civil justice attorney who represents people and families in complex civil litigation. He is the senior partner of the Newsome Melton law firm in Orlando, a former federal prosecutor in the Northern and Middle Districts of Florida, Past-President of the Florida Justice Association, and a member of the Summit Council.
Rich currently serves as a Commissioner on Florida's Constitution Revision Commission.
For more information visit this page on the firm's website, or follow him on Twitter @RichNewsome.